TFA 2020 Training Program will take place in November
UPDATE! Application period is now closed. Selected applications will be notified by October 26.
Queens Theatre is proud to present the third year of its Theatre for All Training Program, taking place in November 2020. Due to the coronavirus, this year's workshops and events will be hosted virtually by Queens Theatre. Applications are due by Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 12 pm ET.
The program is offered as part of Queens Theatre's Theatre For All Initiative to advance the inclusion of people with disabilities in the performing arts.
Applications are now being accepted for the third year of the Theatre For All training exclusively for Deaf and disabled actors, and for the first time this year, we will be offering two distinct programs: A Beginner-level program, and an Advanced level program. Applicants must select which of the two program they would like to participate in. After a review of applications, Queens Theatre staff may reach out to suggest a different placement.
Due to the coronavirus, both programs will be hosted virtually, on Zoom. Both programs are free of cost for the participants who are accepted into them. The programs are open to all actors who identify as Deaf/Disabled actors who are 18 years of age or older. They do not need to be based in New York. ASL Interpretation and Audio Description will be provided throughout.
Program Information
Beginner Program - Introduction to Acting
November 2-13, 2020
Sessions take place 1p-3p and 4p-6p ET
Final Presentation: November 13
The 2-Week Beginner Program provides a foundation to the craft and introduction to various approaches. This program is for students who want to discover how an actor prepares for an audition and/or a performance. Students will be introduced to quick and powerful tools to make performances of monologues or songs natural and spontaneous. The program includes Monologue Selection and Performance as well workshops in Improvisation and Voice. No previous training or experience is required to join the Beginner Acting Intensive.
The Beginner Acting Intensive will culminate with a public sharing ("viewing party") of participants monologues/songs for an invited audience of friends, family, TFA Training ensemble members and QT staff.
Selecting and Analyzing a Monologue
This course focuses on finding the monologue that best suits your skill set and personality while at the same time pushing you into a broader perspective of what you can achieve. Using script analysis exercises, instructors will guide you into building a foundation for character development as you learn to create a roadmap for your process of developing a monologue for auditions.
Performing a Monologue on Stage and on the Screen
Building on the previous course on script selection and analyzation, this course will teach you techniques on how to best present your monologue through a rehearsal process that explores the essentials of performance; projection, focus and confidence. The course will help you show your personality while performing your monologue and will teach you to emphasize your character’s goals, obstacles and dimensions.
Improv
Improvisation is the basis of all good listening on stage. In this class, you will learn to work together and improve communication. This is not a performance class, this is a class for students to use the many beneficial aspects of improv training to help them learn to trust themselves while building a stronger bond with their fellow actors.
Voice and Song Selection
This class combines singing technique with valuable audition insights. The course will begin with an extensive warm-up and group voice lesson. In addition to singing already prepared material, students will be offered new material and assistance with building a strong repertoire for auditions. This will include instruction on choosing the right songs for auditions and the best cuts to use.
Optional Workshops
November 16-20, 2020
Work Life Balance
This session will identify best practices of keeping your personal and professional priorities in balance while working your networks, attending auditions and finding your way in the industry.
Self Advocacy
This session will identify tactics, strategies and best practices for deaf/disabled actors to advocate for themselves in auditions, rehearsals and integrated, professional settings.
Advanced Program - Professional Training
November 2-13, 2020
Sessions take place 4p-6p ET
Final Presentation: November 20
The 2-week Advanced Program is designed for professional actors to build on the actor’s existing set of skills. The actor is introduced to simple, effective tools to approach their acting practice working on the stage and on camera. The program includes workshops on Monologue Study and Scene Study as well and Business of Acting panel discussions. This program will prepare actors for the “on-the-job” challenges, so that they can perform better and maximize their potential even in the worst of situations. Prior Experience on stage and/or on camera in required to join the Advanced Acting Intensive.
The Advanced Acting Intensive will culminate with a public sharing ("viewing party") of edited monologues and scenes which will receive feedback from industry professionals.
Acting (Monologue Study)
In this class, you will move forward in your acting. You will learn how you can use your own life and your own reality to convey what the author of the piece intended. You will discover how to truly live in the moment while performing on stage or for the camera.
Special Instructions: Please prepare a dramatic or comedic monologue that is 2 minutes or less in length.
Acting (Scene Study)
This course will help you develop techniques for acting with a partner. Instructors will teach you how to make connections with your acting partner whether they are someone to know or a total stranger. By listening, building trust and forming bonds you will learn to find chemistry, intimacy, and intensity between characters in a scene.
Business of Acting Workshops
November 16-20, 2020
Casting Directors and Auditioning
This session is dedicated to teaching you what casting directors are looking for, the do's and don'ts of auditioning and the best practices for presenting audition material.
Getting an Agent
This session will focus on how to obtain a talent agent who will best serve you.
Work Life Balance
This session will identify best practices of keeping your personal and professional priorities in balance while working your networks, attending auditions and finding your way in the industry.
Self Advocacy
This session will identify tactics, strategies and best practices for deaf/disabled actors to advocate for themselves in auditions, rehearsals and integrated, professional settings.
Submission Instructions
To apply, please prepare the following materials to submit:
- Resume
- Headshot (or photograph that best represents you)
- Cover letter
The cover letter should be a single page, describing your acting experience to date, including training history, and how you hope to use this training to further your personal and/or professional goals. - Audition video
The audition video should be no longer than five minutes and no shorter than one minute. Present a dramatic of comedic monologue from theatre, film, or television that you feel displays your strengths as an actor/performer. You will need to upload the completed video to Dropbox, Google Drive, or an unlisted YouTube video, and provide a link on the application form.
Once you have collected your materials, please complete the application form linked below.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 12pm ET
Queens Theatre will reach out to set up an interview over phone or Zoom. Students will be selected and notified of acceptance no later than Monday, October 26, 2020.
If you've never self-taped before, QT recently hosted a Self-Tape Demonstration Workshop. This workshop was recorded and is available for use as a reference. You may watch the embedded version above, or click on this link to watch it on YouTube. The video is fully accessible, with captions available on demand, ASL interpretation, and contemporaneous audio description provided by the presenters.
Instructors and Advisory Board
TFA Training Teaching Artists are a diverse group of disabled and non-disabled professionals. This year's instructors include:
Mary Teresa Archbold (Law & Order: SVU, Bull)
Brigid Brady (Actor/Singer/Teacher, Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera, Gossip Girl)
Christine Bruno (Actor/Teaching Artist/ Consultant, member The Actors Studio, Law & Order)
Sofiya Cheyenne (The Farrelly Brothers' Loudermilk)
Evan Cummings (NYC Based director: Lincoln Center Director's Lab, New York Theatre Workshop)
Stephen DeAngelis (Producer/Casting Director)
Clark Jackson (Marvel's Luke Cage, Madame Secretary)
Pat Shay (Improviser and faculty member, The PIT)
Headshots and biographies of our instructors coming soon.
Additional and/or new instructors for this year's program to be announced.
Theatre for All Advisory Board
Mary Theresa Archbold
Brigid Brady
Christine Bruno
Evan Cummings
David Harrell
Richard Hinojosa +
Miranda Hoffner
Gregg Mozgala +
Taryn Sacramone +
Marilee Talkington
Jan Weatherly Valle
+ indicates member of Queens Theatre staff